Jerusalem to Become World´s First WiFi City

, 05/08/04 11:51 | updated: 22:39

"Jerusalem rebuilt as a city that brings about connectivity" is a very rough translation of Psalm 122:3 - but it could be coming true, as modern-day city fathers prepare Jerusalem to become the first city in the world to enable full wireless connectivity to the internet.

The Municipality of Jerusalem, together with Intel and Compumat Computers, has embarked on a project to make Israel's capital the world's first wireless fidelity-enabled (WiFi) city, according to a Globes report. The organizers expect that within two years, users in most areas of the city will be able to surf the internet wirelessly. The WiFi connection will be free of charge throughout at least the first year. The WiFi transmitters installed throughout the city will enable an internet connection of up to 54 megabits per second (Mbps) at a distance of 1000-1600 feet, Globes reports.

The Jerusalem WiFi Project will be implemented in two stages. The first stage will be the installation of hot spots - where WiFi hardware is installed and user reception is optimal - at central points throughout the city. These will include Ben-Yehuda Street in downtown Jerusalem, the Hutzot HaYotzer artist quarter, the Nahalat Shiva neighborhood, Safra Square, the Malcha shopping mall, and Emek Refaim St. The second stage will see parks, schools, government offices and the Hebrew University on Mt. Scopus go wireless.

One new Jerusalemite ecstatic about the news is Natan Gesher, who carried his new Apple Powerbook with him when he arrived last Wednesday with 400 other North American immigrants on a Nefesh B'Nefesh Aliyah flight. "Before I arrived," he told INN's Ezra HaLevi, "I had friends scour the city for WiFi hot-spots. Wireless internet was actually the only thing between me and a perfect absorption. I'm overjoyed that the greatest city on earth has decided to get connected."